A 23-year-old man, Adeyemo Joshua, has been arrested for allegedly impersonating a soldier of the Nigerian Army after reportedly recruiting himself into the military and procuring fake army paraphernalia.
According to reports, the suspect was apprehended at the T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment, Lagos, while in possession of a Nigerian Army camouflage T-shirt, face cap, a fake Nigerian Army identity card and a forged pass allegedly used to gain access to the military cantonment.
Military intelligence personnel reportedly became suspicious of his activities and arrested him within the barracks. He was subsequently detained for interrogation over allegations of impersonation.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to having recruited himself into the Nigerian Army, personally procuring fake identity documents and parading himself as a military officer.
He was later handed over to the Police at the Commissioner of Police Tactical Team of the Lagos State Command and arraigned before the Ogba Magistrate Court on charges of impersonation and unlawful possession of military items.
According to the charge sheet, the offences contravene Sections 77(a)(b) and 330(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribe several years of imprisonment upon conviction.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.
Following his plea, the prosecutor, Josephine Ihkayere, requested a hearing date to enable the prosecution prove the allegations.
The Presiding Magistrate, L.A. Owolabi, granted the defendant bail with two sureties, each required to provide evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment, while their residential addresses are to be verified by the court.
The case was adjourned for mention, while the defendant was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
